Laser skin resurfacing can improve the appearance of your face by selectively targeting the superficial layers of skin that contain fine lines or deeper wrinkles, scars and hyperpigmentation or discoloration.

Laser skin resurfacing is a very safe and common procedure that many people are choosing rather than more invasive surgical procedures (facelifts, eyelid surgery, etc). Laser resurfacing or fractional resurfacing laser treatments can be used to improve the following skin conditions:

• Pigmentation problems (especially brown pigment)
• Age spots, sun spots and sun damage
• Moderate to severe wrinkles
• Textural irregularities
• Lip lines or smoker’s lines
• Acne scars
• Surgical scars
• Skin laxity (sagging skin)

The Lumenis Active/Deep FX laser resurfacing treatment is a combination of Active FX and Deep FX. When used together they offer a full range of fractional resurfacing: Deep FX offers a deeper micro-ablative treatment to target deeper wrinkles and acne scarring, while Active FX offers a large superficial spot treatment targeting sun damage as well as, tone and texture. With Total FX, the patient is able to receive maximum results in collagen production and skin resurfacing in one single treatment.

Fractional laser creates thousands of tiny microthermal zones deep into the skin, which the skin repairs by pushing out the old, damaged skin and replaces it with new, fresh skin. Each treatment stimulates the regeneration of the deeper collagen and elastin tissue, while resurfacing about 20% or more of your skin’s surface. It triggers the body’s own natural healing process, accelerating the production of new collagen and healthy skin cells.

The very first step will be to thoroughly clean your skin to ensure all oils are removed. After that an antibiotic is applied to ensure any bacteria that may be on your skin (all skin has some bacteria) is removed. The next step will involve use of the laser; short high intensity light emissions from the laser are used to remove layers of wrinkled/damaged skin. This is done by passing a beam of light over the skin to vaporize the outer most layers that are damaged or wrinkled.

You may experience swelling and mild discomfort, this is normal. We can reduce the swelling by applying a cold pack directly to the treated area. In some instances a bandage may be used in order to protect the treated skin and keep it dry.

How long does a fractional resurfacing procedure take?

Fractional laser resurfacing treatments are generally quick, lasting around 30 minutes to an hour. The length of the procedure depends on how many areas of the face, neck or chest are being treated.

How many fractional laser resurfacing treatments will I need?

Patients can expect one to three treatments to achieve desired results. Patients with acne scarring may require more than one treatment. The exact number of treatments varies and depends on the needs of the patient and factors such as age, skin type, etc.

What are the side effects of fractional resurfacing?

Fractional laser resurfacing side effects are mild and can include some swelling or redness after the procedure. In rare cases, patients experience some bruising, which can take up to 2 weeks to go away.

When will I see the results of the fractional resurfacing treatment?

Visible results from fractional resurfacing laser treatments can vary. There are essentially two stages of results: immediate and progressive. Immediately after your first laser treatment your skin will feel smoother, look brighter and the tone will become more even. Your skin will continue to improve over the next six months as the deeper layers of skin continue to improve.

How long do the effects of the fractional resurfacing laser last?

The results of the laser treatment are long lasting, but not permanent. The better you take care of your skin and protect it from the sun, the longer the results will last. You might need future touch-up treatments to keep your skin looking its best.

How much downtime should I expect after a fractional resurfacing treatment?

Downtime after a fractional resurfacing laser treatment varies. Right after the procedure your skin will appear red and slightly swollen, but this will fade. Additionally, many patients experience some skin peeling within the first week after the treatment.

Do fractional laser resurfacing treatments hurt?

Many patients compare laser resurfacing treatments to being snapped with a rubber band combined with heat. To minimize the discomfort or pain a topical anesthetic is applied prior to the procedure. Additionally, we often will give patients some oral medication to relieve anxiety during the procedure.

After the treatment some patients experience a tingling sensation similar to that of sunburn, but this normally goes away within a few hours. Each treatment is tailored to the patient’s needs. All of the patients expectations will be discussed in detail during the consultative process prior to the procedure.

How much does fractional resurfacing cost?

The cost of fractional laser resurfacing varies depending on what laser is used and the size of the area that is being treated. We would be more than happy to give you a personalized laser resurfacing treatment plan and the exact cost during a free consultation at the Laser and Skincare Center.